Vespers

At Cleveland Park Congregational UCC VESPERS is

An opening and welcoming service, affirming people of diverse faith backgrounds, ethnic and racial identities, sexual orientation, marital status, age, education, political and social views.

A musical experience where those who attend share their skills and styles of celebration.

A service with time for contemplation, meditation and prayer.

A forum where the questions and issues of today enter a dialogue with the voices from Scripture.

A spiritual community where your intelligence is not insulted, the knowledge you bring is affirmed and where you need not check your brain at the door.

A group of friends who want to hear how your week really was, to know what you feel and to work together for the good of each other, the wider community of Washington and of all the people of God’s Green Earth.

An opportunity to Worship God and serve those in need.

A GREAT WAY TO END ONE WEEK AND BEGIN THE NEXT!

According to the dictionary:

ves·pers also Ves·pers (vsprz)

pl.n. (used with a sing. or pl. verb)

1. Ecclesiastical

a. The sixth of the seven canonical hours.

b. A worship service held in the late afternoon or evening in many Western Christian churches.

c. The time of day appointed for this service.

2. Evensong.

3. Roman Catholic Church A service held on Sundays or holy days that includes the office of vespers. F

You are invited to our new Contemplative, Casual celebration of worship with communion every week at 7:00 p.m.

•For Easter, we will hold Vespers on Saturday evening as an Easter Vigil at 7:00 p.m. No Vespers on Easter Sunday
• Celebrate the coming of Easter in this new service of Easter Vigil.
•This is a come as you are service. It is INCLUSIVE, CONTEMPLATIVE AND CASUAL!

HERE IS A SAMPLE ORDER OF SERVICE

Order of Service

Join us each week for hospitality in the parlor starting at 6:30.

Prelude and Gathering Music

Spirit of the Living God

Music of Praise and Centering **

More Light Christopher Grundy

More light, more truth

is breaking from your word.

More light, more truth, Holy Spirit,

help us hear what needs to be heard.

This Little Light of Mine African-American spiritual

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine…

All through the night, I’m gonna let it shine…

Hide it under a bushel (no!), I’m gonna let it shine…

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…

Prayer of Praise and Introspection

Silent Time of Meditation and Prayer

Musical Offering “El Shaddai”

Scripture Paul Schaefer

Luke 24:30-40

Message Ken Fuller

Practical Hospitality

Prayers of the People

We invite all to be a part of the prayer. As you feel moved please pray for those who need strength and support and give thanks for all the blessings you have received.

Offering

Gifts of treasure are welcomed but not expected; prayer requests and question cards are in the pew and can be placed in the offering plate.

I’ve Got Peace Like A River

I’ve got peace like a river

I’ve got peace like a river in my soul

I’ve got peace like a river

I’ve got peace like a river in my soul

I’ve got joy like a fountain

I’ve got love like an ocean

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, If you lead me.

I will hold your people in my heart.

Invitation to Communion (responsive)

Jesus said: I am the bread of life.

You who come to me shall not hunger;

you who believe in me shall never thirst.

In company with all who hunger for spiritual food, we come to this table to know the risen Christ in the sharing of this life-giving bread.

Words of Institution

Prayer

Sharing of the Bread and Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving (unison)

We thank you, God, for renewing our faith, strengthening our hope, and kindling our love. Through the power of the living Christ, at work in us, grant that we shall walk in newness of life. Amen.

May the Peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you.

Passing the Peace

Share with one another signs of Christ’s peace.

Closing Music **

I’ll Fly Away Albert E. Brumley

Some glad morning, when this life is o’er,

I’ll fly away

To a home on God’s celestial shore,

I’ll fly away

(Refrain)

I’ll fly away, O glory, I’ll fly away